best compact

Since posting a question ref. best compact for discreet candids; and thanks for the advice, I have just had the brief opportunity(hour and half) to test the Sony RX100(I already have the NEX7). It appears to be a stunning camera for image quality and resolution,so sharp, and a large sensor with a zuiko 1.8 lens
The only slight drawback is that the lcd screen doesn't tilt!!.
This may be more difficult to choose than I thought.
Mike T

Since posting a question ref. best compact for discreet candids; and thanks for the advice, I have just had the brief opportunity(hour and half) to test the Sony RX100(I already have the NEX7). It appears to be a stunning camera for image quality and resolution,so sharp, and a large sensor with a zuiko 1.8 lens
The only slight drawback is that the lcd screen doesn't tilt!!.
This may be more difficult to choose than I thought.
Mike T

[quote]and a large sensor with a zuiko 1.8 lens[/quote]
Are you quite sure :)
It does have a decent wide aperture of f1.8 but zooming to 100mm, this drops to around f5, but it does have a nice sensor.
The Olympus XZ-2 gets my vote, even though I use an x10, the tilting screen does more than just tilt, its touch sensitive as well.
It uses the same screen as the OM-D, I`ve taken pictures at point blanc range without being spotted.
I added a tiny bit about the touch screen here.
Its packed with other features as well, like wireless flash control and it can take accessories such as a EVF.
http://www.ephotozine.com/article/olympus-om-d-e-m5-2-month-user-review-20379
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXxc523ZREA&feature=related

Quote:and a large sensor with a zuiko 1.8 lens

Are you quite sure

It does have a decent wide aperture of f1.8 but zooming to 100mm, this drops to around f5, but it does have a nice sensor.

The Olympus XZ-2 gets my vote, even though I use an x10, the tilting screen does more than just tilt, its touch sensitive as well.

It uses the same screen as the OM-D, I`ve taken pictures at point blanc range without being spotted.

I added a tiny bit about the touch screen here.

Its packed with other features as well, like wireless flash control and it can take accessories such as a EVF.

The RX100 is a great camera. i really enjoy using mine. what i like about it (other than the IQ and size) is the rapid quick AF, almost zero shutter lag and the WhiteMagic screen, which does make viewing it at an angle easier. Although the aperture drops as soon as you use the zoom, the cameras abilities with regard noise control is quite astounding for a compact that can be hiddne in the pal mof your hand. Image quality at 1600ISO is very good indeed.
That said, there are a number of excellent compacts that will do you proud. Unfortunately for you, you have to make the choice. but certainly the RX100 gets my rather biased vote.

The RX100 is a great camera. i really enjoy using mine. what i like about it (other than the IQ and size) is the rapid quick AF, almost zero shutter lag and the WhiteMagic screen, which does make viewing it at an angle easier. Although the aperture drops as soon as you use the zoom, the cameras abilities with regard noise control is quite astounding for a compact that can be hiddne in the pal mof your hand. Image quality at 1600ISO is very good indeed.

That said, there are a number of excellent compacts that will do you proud. Unfortunately for you, you have to make the choice. but certainly the RX100 gets my rather biased vote.

The RX100 and XZ-2 cost about the same, both around £470.
For about £100 less there`s the Panasonic LX7, not quite as feature packed as the other two, but it does have a faster f1.4- f2.5 lens with built in ND filters.

The RX100 and XZ-2 cost about the same, both around £470.

For about £100 less there`s the Panasonic LX7, not quite as feature packed as the other two, but it does have a faster f1.4- f2.5 lens with built in ND filters.

I've used a Panny G3 with the tiny f1.7 20mm [40 equiv] lens. If you flip out the screen and tip it horizontal [or near] and loo down as you frame your shot, I've found most people don't notice you're actually taking photos.
Great image quality/low noise and decent control over DoF. Even with the kit lens on it, it's not so obtrusive.
It may well be that's not discreet enough for you - but I offer it as an alternative to consider. IQ would certainly be a winner against most of the alternatives already suggested.

I've used a Panny G3 with the tiny f1.7 20mm [40 equiv] lens. If you flip out the screen and tip it horizontal [or near] and loo down as you frame your shot, I've found most people don't notice you're actually taking photos.

Great image quality/low noise and decent control over DoF. Even with the kit lens on it, it's not so obtrusive.

It may well be that's not discreet enough for you - but I offer it as an alternative to consider. IQ would certainly be a winner against most of the alternatives already suggested.

[quote]I've used a Panny G3 with the tiny f1.7 20mm [40 equiv] lens.[/quote]
I use the Olympus OM-D (tilt screen) with the same lens. Ideal for use at waist level. The lens is just a touch wider than standard but gives no distortion to the image, even used at close range. I feel I'm using the modern equivalent of a TLR. :)

Quote:I've used a Panny G3 with the tiny f1.7 20mm [40 equiv] lens.

I use the Olympus OM-D (tilt screen) with the same lens. Ideal for use at waist level. The lens is just a touch wider than standard but gives no distortion to the image, even used at close range. I feel I'm using the modern equivalent of a TLR.

Comparing the screens between the Panasonic's and the OMD, I prefer the OMD`s. Its much better placed behind the camera and so much better in bright conditions as well.
I don`t think the XZ-2 is out yet but it certainly looks interesting especially if it focus as good as the OM-D.

Comparing the screens between the Panasonic's and the OMD, I prefer the OMD`s. Its much better placed behind the camera and so much better in bright conditions as well.

I don`t think the XZ-2 is out yet but it certainly looks interesting especially if it focus as good as the OM-D.

I quite like the flip-out screen on the G3 - it's the first time I've ever had a camera with one and I do like its flexibility, including the capability of being able to view it from the front of the camera. It's nice it has a built-in OVF for the more conventional [and for me more often utilised] approach to framing subjects.
I'm pretty sure the OM-D does beat it on build and image quality, but as it's double+ the price it should. If I had unlimited cash or I was using m4/3 as my primary system I'd probably get one [I think it looks better and is certainly better value than the GH3, for example]. So I was speaking from experience - the reports of other people's use of the OM-D on here certainly appear to suggest a high level of satisfaction. Maybe one day...

I quite like the flip-out screen on the G3 - it's the first time I've ever had a camera with one and I do like its flexibility, including the capability of being able to view it from the front of the camera. It's nice it has a built-in OVF for the more conventional [and for me more often utilised] approach to framing subjects.

I'm pretty sure the OM-D does beat it on build and image quality, but as it's double+ the price it should. If I had unlimited cash or I was using m4/3 as my primary system I'd probably get one [I think it looks better and is certainly better value than the GH3, for example]. So I was speaking from experience - the reports of other people's use of the OM-D on here certainly appear to suggest a high level of satisfaction. Maybe one day...

I use both the Panasonic G2 and the OMD.
They both have a 1.44 million dot evf but the OMD viewfinder is a fair bit smaller, the G2 display looks horrible in comparison and grainy :)
I like both the LX7 and the look of the XZ-2, both have great specs on paper, but for me the XZ-2 would come up trumps.

I use both the Panasonic G2 and the OMD.

They both have a 1.44 million dot evf but the OMD viewfinder is a fair bit smaller, the G2 display looks horrible in comparison and grainy

I like both the LX7 and the look of the XZ-2, both have great specs on paper, but for me the XZ-2 would come up trumps.

Re the XZ-2. Do you know if have to use Olympus's own RAW converter or is it Adobe compatible?
I'm looking to get one for my OH for Christmas but don't want to go in for yet another upgrade to be able to use RAW.

Re the XZ-2. Do you know if have to use Olympus's own RAW converter or is it Adobe compatible?
I'm looking to get one for my OH for Christmas but don't want to go in for yet another upgrade to be able to use RAW.

I agree with Andy - I have a Panny LX-5 as a pocket camera and am quite amazed with what it can do. Never felt the need for an EVF either. The LX5 can be picked up SH for around £200 and I think it's a bargain. I got mine SH from Vennal Cameras in Ayr.

I agree with Andy - I have a Panny LX-5 as a pocket camera and am quite amazed with what it can do. Never felt the need for an EVF either. The LX5 can be picked up SH for around £200 and I think it's a bargain. I got mine SH from Vennal Cameras in Ayr.